PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Warm Springs Water District is about 2 miles west of Dubois, and has
42 taps. The area is experiencing substantial growth. There are 99
lots in the district and another hundred in the plat. The existing
system has had occasional bacteria problems in the past, and has had
freezing problems in main lines. The system was unable to supply
existing demands in the winters of 92-93 and 93-94. A new source is
needed to meet both existing and future demands, and to resolve water
quality problems. The existing storage system is inefficient and
inhibits disinfection. The distribution system is in good shape with
only minor losses.
A Level II study inventoried the existing water supply system and
identified needed improvements. The study also considered several
supply alternatives including rehabilitation of the existing
infiltration gallery, other springs in the area, a deep well and pumping
from the Dubois area. The existing source cannot be improved to increase
the supply and no other usable spring sources were identified.
The 1994 project constructed a 700 foot-deep Madison well on district
property. The well is projected to yield in excess of 500 g.p.m. The
water is somewhat warm (80 degrees) and very hard (700 ppm TDS). The
1995 appropriation was used to convert the test well to a production
well and perform additional water quantity and quality tests.
The 1996 Level III recommended project will convert the test well to
production status, construct a new storage tank, loop the system and
provide the pipelines necessary to incorporate the new well into the
existing system.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The Commission recommends that the project be advanced to Level III
status with an appropriation of $1,600,000. The recommended financing
plan includes a 67% grant and a 33% loan at 4% for 30 years with a two
year deferment of principle and interest payments. The sponsor will be
required to reimburse the WWDC for 33% of the Level II well construction
cost ($55,000, 4%, 30 years).